Characterization and Modeling of Reinforced Earth Structures

The aim of this study is to characterize soil/reinforcement interaction in reinforced earth structures. The study showed that the internal behavior of this type of structure depends on a number of factors, including the engineering backfill, the reinforcement and the soil/reinforcement interaction. The study also showed that the soil-reinforcement interaction phenomenon is a fairly complex mechanism that depends on the applied load, the geometry of the structure, the characteristics of the soil and a set of parameters characterizing the nailing: density, number and length of reinforcements, inclination of the reinforcements in relation to the sliding surface, mechanical characteristics of the reinforcements and, in particular, the relative stiffness of the reinforcements and the soil. The results showed that the tensile forces developed in the reinforcement are not entirely reversible, and that the soil at the interface undergoes permanent deformation, leading to the appearance of irreversible tensile forces in the reinforcement.

Strategies for Teaching the Reinforced Concrete Structures Course in Engineering Majors

The cultivation of engineering capabilities aims to equip engineering professionals with high-level expertise to meet the demands of society and industry development,thereby enhancing their competitiveness and career potential.This article focuses on engineering capability development,exploring teaching strategies for the Reinforced Concrete Structure course.It aims to provide insights for educators in engineering programs at universities and vocational colleges in China.By doing so,teaching plans that meet the needs of engineering capability development,laying a solid educational foundation for the healthy growth of engineering professionals in the new era,and enhancing their application of knowledge and skills can be developed.

High-temperature effect on continuous glass fiber reinforced polypropylene multilayer composite and corrugated sandwich panels

The high-temperature mechanical behaviors of Multi-Layer Composite Panels(MCP)and Corrugated Sandwich Panels(CSP)of Continuous Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene(CGFRPP)are critical for their application in aerospace fields,which have been rarely mentioned in previous studies.High-temperature quasi-static tensile and compression tests on CGFRPP MCP are conducted first.The results showed that the tensile and compression strength,stiffness,and tensile modulus of MCP decreased with increasing temperature.The Gibson model was found to be more suitable for predicting the high-temperature mechanical performance of MCP after comparing the calculated results of different theoretical models with experimental data.Secondly,hightemperature planar compression tests were conducted on the CGFRPP CSP,revealing that the main failure modes were corrugated core buckling and delamination between the face panel and core material,with delamination being intensified at higher temperatures.Therefore,we proposed a strength theoretical model that considers structural buckling failure and interface delamination failure,and introduced the influence factor to evaluate the effect of interface delamination on structural strength.

Self-centering seismic retrofit scheme for reinforced concrete frame structures:SDOF system study

This paper presents the results of a parametric study of self-centering seismic retrofit schemes for reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. The self-centering retrofit system features flag-shaped hysteresis and minimal residual deformation. For comparison purpose,an alternate seismic retrofit scheme that uses a bilinear-hysteresis retrofit system such as buckling-restrained braces (BRB) is also considered in this paper. The parametric study was carried out in a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system framework since a multi-story building structure may be idealized as an equivalent SDOF system and investigation of the performance of this equivalent SDOF system can provide insight into the seismic response of the multi-story building. A peak-oriented hysteresis model which can consider the strength and stiffness degradation is used to describe the hysteretic behavior of RC structures. The parametric study involves two key parameters -the strength ratio and elastic stiffness ratio between the seismic retrofit system and the original RC frame. An ensemble of 172 earthquake ground motion records scaled to the design basis earthquake in California with a probability of exceedance of 10% in 50 years was constructed for the simulation-based parametric study. The effectiveness of the two seismic retrofit schemes considered in this study is evaluated in terms of peak displacement ratio,peak acceleration ratio,energy dissipation demand ratio and residual displacement ratio between the SDOF systems with and without retrofit. It is found from this parametric study that RC structures retrofitted with the self-centering retrofit scheme (SCRS) can achieve a seismic performance level comparable to the bilinear-hysteresis retrofit scheme (BHRS) in terms of peak displacement and energy dissipation demand ratio while having negligible residual displacement after earthquake.

Improved Simulation Method for Soil-Geogrid Interaction of Reinforced Earth Structure in FEM

The interaction between geogrid and soil is crucial for the stability of geogrid-reinforced earth structure. In finite element （FE） analysis, geogrids are usually assumed as beam or truss elements, and the interaction between geogrid and soil is considered as Coulomb friction resistance, which cannot reflect the true stress and displacement developed in the reinlbrcement. And the traditional Lagrangian elements used to simulate soil always become highly distorted and lose accuracy in high-stress blocks. An improved geogrid model that can produce shear resistance and passive resistance and a soil model using the Eulerian technique, in combination with the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian （CEL） method, are used to analyze the interaction between geogrid and soil of reinforced foundation test in ABAQUS. The stress in the backfill, resistance of geogrid, and settlement of foundation were computed and the results of analysis agree well with the experimental results. This simulation method is of referential value for FE analysis of reinforced earth structure.

DAMAGE LOCATION DUE TO CORROSION IN REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

An investigation on damage location due to the corrosion in reinforced concrete structures is conducted. The frequency change square ratio is used as a parameter for the damage. It is theoretically verified that the parameter is a function of the damage location. Experimental results of the corrosion in reinforced concrete structures show that the predicted damage location is in agreement with the real damage location. The modal parameters are used to detect the damages in structural concrete elements, and so they are useful for structural appraisal.

Full－range nonlinear analysis of fatigue behaviors of reinforced concrete structures by finite element method

The offshore reinforced concrete structures are always subject to cyclic load, such as wave load.In this paper a new finite element analysis model is developed to analyze the stress and strain state of reinforced concrete structures including offshore concrete structures, subject to any number of the cyclic load. On the basis of the anal ysis of the experimental data,this model simplifies the number of cycles-total cyclic strain curve of concrete as three straight line segments,and it is assumed that the stress-strain curves of different cycles in each segment are the same, thus the elastoplastic analysis is only needed for the first cycle of each segment, and the stress or strain corresponding to any number of cycles can be obtained by superposition of stress or strain obtained by the above e lastoplastic analysis based on the cyclic numbers in each segment.This model spends less computer time,and can obtain the stress and strain states of the structures after any number of cycles.The endochronic-damage and ideal offshore concrete platform subject to cyclic loading are experimented and analyzed by the finite element method based on the model proposed in this paper. The results between the experiment and the finite element analysis are in good agreement,which demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the proposed model.

Achievements of Truss Models for Reinforced Concrete Structures

Achievements are presented for truss models of RC structures developed in previous years: 1. Two constitutive models, biaxial and triaxial, are based on regular trusses, with bars obeying nonlinear uniaxial σ-ε laws of material under simulation;both models have been compared with test results and show a dependence of Poisson ratio on curvature of σ-ε law. 2. A truss finite element has been used in the nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of plane RC frames;it has been compared with test results and describes, in a simple way, the formation of plastic hinges. 3. Thanks to the very simple geometry of a truss, the equilibrium equations can be easily written and the stiffness matrix can be easily updated, both with respect to the deformed truss, within each step of a static incremental loading or within each time step of a dynamic analysis, so that to take into account geometric nonlinearities. So the confinement of a RC column is interpreted as a structural stability effect of concrete. And a significant role of the transverse reinforcement is revealed, that of preventing, by its close spacing and sufficient amount, the buckling of inner longitudinal concrete struts, which would lead to a global instability of the RC column. 4. The proposed truss model is statically indeterminate, so it exhibits some features, which are not met by the “strut-and-tie” model.

Nonlinear seismic response analysis of reinforced concrete tube in tube structure

Super-highly reinforced concrete tube in tube structure is a developing structure system of high-rise building. The more reasonable derivation process of the multi-vertical-line-element model stiffness matrix is given.On the premise of pointing out the problems of present multi-spring element model, combined with present multivertical-line-element model for analyzing on shear wall, the model is expanded to spatial one, and the stiffness matrix of which is derived. Combined with hysteretic axial model and hysteretic shear model, it is suitable for columns,wall limbs and beams with all kinds of section form. Some examples are calculated and compared with test results,which shows that the models have relatively good accuracy. On the base of the experimental phenomenon and failure mechanism for tube in tube structure specimen, nonlinear seismic responses analysis program on the basis of the advantaged element model for tube in tube structure is developed. Calculation results are in good agreement with those of the pseudo-dynamic tests and the failure mechanism can be well reflected.

Progressive collapse resisting capacity of reinforced concrete load bearing wall structures

Reinforced concrete(RC) load bearing wall is widely used in high-rise and mid-rise buildings. Due to the number of walls in plan and reduction in lateral force portion, this system is not only stronger against earthquakes, but also more economical. The effect of progressive collapse caused by removal of load bearing elements, in various positions in plan and stories of the RC load bearing wall system was evaluated by nonlinear dynamic and static analyses. For this purpose, three-dimensional model of 10-story structure was selected. The analysis results indicated stability, strength and stiffness of the RC load-bearing wall system against progressive collapse. It was observed that the most critical condition for removal of load bearing walls was the instantaneous removal of the surrounding walls located at the corners of the building where the sections of the load bearing elements were changed. In this case, the maximum vertical displacement was limited to 6.3 mm and the structure failed after applying the load of 10 times the axial load bored by removed elements. Comparison between the results of the nonlinear dynamic and static analyses demonstrated that the "load factor" parameter was a reasonable criterion to evaluate the progressive collapse potential of the structure.

Effects of edge beams on mechanic behavior under lateral load in reinforced concrete hollow slab-column structure

In order to get the formulae for calculating the equivalent frame width coefficient of reinforced concrete hollow slab-column structures with edge beam,the finite element structural program was used in the elastic analysis of reinforced concrete hollow slab-column structure with different dimensions to study internal relationship between effective beam width and the frame dimensions.In addition,the formulas for calculating the increasing coefficient of edge beam were also obtained.

Structure and Properties of Self-reinforced Material Made from Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene-montmorillonite Nanocomposite

High-strength and high-modulus ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE), named self-reinforced material, was obtained by the elongation of UHMWPE-montmorillonite nanocomposite at melting temperature. According to the scanning electron microscope(SEM) analysis, a great deal of fibrillar texture formed in the direction of elongation, and the tensile fractured surface was similar to that of highly oriented fiber. The transmission electron microscope(TEM) and selective area electron diffraction(SAED) analyses reveal that the reinforced phase of the self-reinforced material is an extended chain crystal and its size is about 50_200 nm wide and several microns long, and the montmorillonite layers are broken up to pieces in the size from 100 to 10 nm. The broken layers which have a huge surface area interacting strongly with macromolecules reduces the entanglement density of UHMWPE and induces the chain orientation in flow field. It is supposed that the astriction of montmorillonite layers to polyethylene chains is not only end-tethered but also side-tethered. The differential scan calorimetry(DSC) analysis shows that there are two endothermal peaks for the self-reinforced material, of which the peak at a higher temperature(136.4 ℃) is ascribed to the melting of the reinforced phase.

Evaluation and Repair of a Reinforced Concrete Structure:A Case Study

Reinforced concrete structure durability has been getting a lot of attention in academic research related to building security and stability.Thus,knowledge about the condition of the structures,particularly those affected by issue symptoms,is a powerful tool to minimize costs and improve structural reinforcement and repair service efficiency.Steel corrosion in reinforced concrete frames is the most frequent pathological manifestation in buildings around the world,and it is closely linked to the concept of structural integrity and safety.This paper describes,explains and remarks on the services performed by a company specialized in structure pathology in determining the causes,origins and mechanisms involved in steel corrosion in reinforced concrete frames in the ground and mezzanine floors of a building located in the coastal city of Cabedelo/PB.Mechanical,physical,chemical and electrochemical tests were conducted in the structure,and the conclusion was that concrete carbonation was the mechanism behind the pathological manifestation,and the source of the issue was linked to the execution of the work.The therapy process adopted was divided into levels related to the degree and progress in the observed degradation,and a few structural repair techniques were adopted,such as traditional structure repair,chemical realkalinization,corrosion inhibition and surface protection.

Analysis on Construction Quality Control Technology of Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall Structure

In the process of continuous development of construction enterprises, new requirements have been put forward for construction projects. By strengthening the construction quality control of reinforced concrete shear wall structure, the construction level of reinforced concrete can be continuously improved, the construction quality can be guaranteed, and the construction project can be successfully completed, which is worthy of extensive application and promotion in construction enterprises, thus providing a broader development space for construction enterprises.

Using of an Auxetic Structure as Reinforcement of a Bending Reinforced Concrete Beam

Materials which have negative Poisson’s ratio are entitled as auxetics.Auxetics can be designed as micro-to macro-sized structures.The use of auxetics in civil engineering structures has been studied only to a limited extent.In this study,a re-entrant medium-size auxetic structure is employed as reinforcement of a reinforced concrete beam.The beam is subjected to static and dynamic loading conditions and then investigated by means of maximum vertical displacements of the beam.Besides,normal stresses and shear stresses of the concrete are also assessed.To interpret the performance of the auxetic reinforcement,obtained results are compared with the results of another beam which has non-auxetic reinforcement.The results show that these structures behave with bending compatibility as expected and due to the negative Poisson’s ratio,they led to shear strength increase.Auxetic structures can be employed as reinforcement in a beam.Besides,they can be employed without concrete to increase the shear strength in the case of high shear and impact strength if it is needed.

Modeling of environmental influence in structural health assessment for reinforced concrete buildings

One branch of structural health monitoring (SHM) utilizes dynamic response measurements to assess the structural integrity of civil infrastructures. In particular,modal frequency is a widely adopted indicator for structural damage since its square is proportional to structural stiffness. However,it has been demonstrated in various SHM projects that this indicator is substantially affected by fluctuating environmental conditions. In order to provide reliable and consistent information on the health status of the monitored structures,it is necessary to develop a method to filter this interference. This study attempts to model and quantify the environmental influence on the modal frequencies of reinforced concrete buildings. Daily structural response measurements of a twenty-two story reinforced concrete building were collected and analyzed over a one-year period. The Bayesian spectral density approach was utilized to identify the modal frequencies of this building and it was clearly seen that the temperature and humidity fluctuation induced notable variations. A mathematical model was developed to quantify the environmental effects and model complexity was taken into consideration. Based on a Timoshenko beam model,the full model class was constructed and other reduced-order model class candidates were obtained. Then,the Bayesian modal class selection approach was employed to select the one with the most suitable complexity. The proposed model successfully characterizes the environmental influence on the modal frequencies. Furthermore,the estimated uncertainty of the model parameters allows for assessment of the reliability of the prediction. This study not only improves the understanding about the monitored structure,but also establishes a systematic approach for reliable health assessment of reinforced concrete buildings.

A Study on the Tensile Properties of the MWK Structures for Composite Reinforcement

In this paper, the tensile properties of the MWK structures produced with different basic stitches for composite reinforcement were experimentally studied. The results show that the MWK structures with the double loop pillar stitches have better mechanical properties.

Numerical Modeling Strategy for the Simulation of Nonlinear Response of Slender Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls

A three-dimensional nonlinear modeling strategy for simulating the seismic response of slender reinforced concrete structural walls with different cross-sectional shapes is presented in this paper.A combination of nonlinear multi-layer shell elements and displacement-based beam-column elements are used to model the unconfined and confined parts of the walls,respectively.A uniaxial material model for reinforcing steel bars that includes buckling and low-cyclic fatigue effects is used to model the longitudinal steel bars within the structural walls.The material model parameters related to the buckling length are defined based on an analytical expression for reinforcing steel bars embedded in reinforced concrete elements,which are developed based on beam-on-springs model,and validated with experimental tests of boundary elements of structural walls available in the literature.Six experimental case studies of reinforced concrete walls with rectangularshape,T-shape,and U-shape cross-section are used to validate the structural wall numerical modeling strategy.

Problems of durability and reinforcement measures for underground structures in China

In this paper, the bolt- and cable-supported structures mainly refer to anchored cables, anchored bolts, soil nails and other commonly used reinforcing and supporting structures in geotechnical engineering, as well as reinforced soil structures in permanent works. They are often used in combination, or formed into composite bolt-and cable-supported structures, with other traditional construction methods and relevant measures. Distinct characteristics of such structures are that they are most often invisible, exposed to more severe underground corrosive environments and with strict durability requirements. A number of serious durability problems of underground structures are discussed and major achievements and advances in China and abroad in terms of durability and reinforcement measures for underground structures are reviewed, followed by comprehensive analyses. Some suggestions for those problems are put forward.

Multi-Scale Design and Optimization of Composite Material Structure for Heavy-Duty Truck Protection Device

In this paper,to present a lightweight-developed front underrun protection device(FUPD)for heavy-duty trucks,plain weave carbon fiber reinforced plastic(CFRP)is used instead of the original high-strength steel.First,the mechanical and structural properties of plain carbon fiber composite anti-collision beams are comparatively analyzed from a multi-scale perspective.For studying the design capability of carbon fiber composite materials,we investigate the effects of TC-33 carbon fiber diameter(D),fiber yarn width(W)and height(H),and fiber yarn density(N)on the front underrun protective beam of carbon fiber compositematerials.Based on the investigation,a material-structure matching strategy suitable for the front underrun protective beam of heavy-duty trucks is proposed.Next,the composite material structure is optimized by applying size optimization and stack sequence optimization methods to obtain the higher performance carbon fiber composite front underrun protection beam of commercial vehicles.The results show that the fiber yarn height(H)has the greatest influence on the protective beam,and theH1matching scheme for the front underrun protective beamwith a carbon fiber composite structure exhibits superior performance.The proposed method achieves a weight reduction of 55.21% while still meeting regulatory requirements,which demonstrates its remarkable weight reduction effect.